Dale Carnegie: How to Win Friends and Influence People

May 23, 2018

A few weeks age I read How to Win Friends and Influence People from Dale Carneige. It's a real perennial seller. It was first published in 1936 and it still flourishes and there is a good chance that I will just like Shakespeare. In fact, I had recommendations to read it so much, that it became inevitable...

I’m not good at connecting people. I’m too introverted and maybe still a bit shy. I was like that as a child and I’m still a bit. Even though the years I spent at working in and next to politics helped me a lot to overcome this weakness.

The book is organized around four parts:

Fundamental techniques in handling people

Six ways to make people like you

How to win people to your way of thinking

Be a leader: How to change people without giving offence or arousing resentment

In these parts, he gives practical pieces of advice how to accomplish each goal. As this is a book, not just a small article organised of a few lists, he goes into details and gives examples of how to use his instructions.

I cannot say that I already implemented all of them, but I try to incorporate the suggestions one by one. For example, I try to criticise and complain less, that’s something that most of the Hungarian and French people should follow I think. Besides, I also try to give honest appreciation more frequently. Telling someone how good he or she is, is not a sign of weakness.

I also smile and try to ask questions whose answers really interest me. It helps to become a better listener.

Do I already see some results? Hell, I do! The first day I started to use the advice of giving sincere appreciation I gained one new friend at work.

I think if I manage to keep Carnegie Dale’s suggestions in my focus and change the way I interact with people it will help me achieve an even bigger success than I dreamed about. And you can do the same. I’d definitely advise you to grab this book as your next read and start to follow the rules written inside, one by one. Good luck!